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Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Community Retreat with Vertical Farming and Natural Light

Author:
Hai Ngo
Charred Wooden Shingles Enhance Community Retreat with Vertical Farming and Natural Light

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design seamlessly integrates vertical farming and communal spaces to create a sustainable retreat focused on community interaction and agricultural practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and fire resistance.
02
Designed with cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Incorporates vertical farming areas integrated into the communal spaces for self-sufficiency.
04
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light while maintaining visual harmony with the landscape.
05
Utilizes a central pond for water collection and as a tranquil outdoor feature, promoting ecological balance.
The Nomad Farmhouse is an architectural project that integrates sustainable design principles with a focus on community engagement and agricultural practices. Located in a setting that emphasizes natural beauty, this structure embodies a thoughtful response to contemporary needs for multifunctional and environmentally conscious spaces. The elliptical form of the building facilitates a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors, encouraging interaction with the surrounding landscape and promoting collective activities.

The project serves multiple functions, including communal dining, workshops, and agricultural production. It is designed to accommodate visitors and facilitate a sense of togetherness while allowing for efficient agricultural practices through vertical gardening. This blend of functionalities reflects an understanding of current environmental and social challenges and positions the Nomad Farmhouse as a resource for both education and sustainability.

Sustainable Materiality and Construction Techniques

The Nomad Farmhouse employs a range of materials that contribute to its ecological framework. Timber frames form the core of the structural integrity, providing warmth and a natural aesthetic that complements the surrounding landscape. Large expanses of glass are strategically placed to maximize natural light and establish visual continuity with the outdoors. The use of fabric in teepee structures provides a flexible and inviting atmosphere, while green roofs and water-resilient materials enhance the building's environmental performance. These design choices not only minimize the ecological footprint but also create a space that is aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Innovative Design Approaches

Key to the project’s uniqueness is its circular layout, reminiscent of traditional nomadic structures, that promotes an organic movement within the space. The design incorporates an outdoor central pond as a focal point, fostering tranquility and serving as a water source for agricultural purposes. Vertical hydroponic gardens within the farmhouse underscore the project's commitment to sustainable practices, enabling small-scale food production in an urban context. The architectural layout is intentionally designed to support social interactions, with shared spaces that invite collaboration and community involvement.

The Nomad Farmhouse stands out through its intricate layering of functions, sustainability initiatives, and respect for local culture. It represents a pragmatic approach to contemporary architectural challenges, merging form and function while promoting a sustainable lifestyle. For more information on the architectural plans, architectural designs, and architectural sections, explore the complete project presentation for deeper insights into its design and execution.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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